Discover effective ways to treat hookworms in dogs with our comprehensive guide. Learn about the symptoms, diagnosis, and proven treatment options to ensure your beloved dog stays healthy and happy.
Hookworms in Dogs:
Hookworms are intestinal parasites with hook-like mouthparts commonly seen in both cats and dogs. Although they are only 1/4″ – 3/4″ in size, they can swallow surprisingly large amounts of blood when they attach to your pet’s intestine.
- If your pet is infected with a large number of hookworms, they can develop intestinal inflammation or anemia.
- Hookworms are often seen in hot, humid environments and in pets that live in poor conditions, including overcrowding or poor sanitation.
Causes of Hookworms in Dogs:
Dogs become infected with hookworm in one of four ways:
- Unborn puppies can contract hookworm through the mother’s placenta in utero.
- Once born, puppies can contract hookworm through their infected mother’s milk.
- Your dog can quickly ingest hookworm larvae by sniffing contaminated feces or soil, or while grooming its paws.
- The larvae can burrow into your dog’s skin, causing an infection.
- Life cycle of hookworm
- The hookworm life cycle has three stages: egg, larva, and adult.
- Microscopic eggs are laid by the adults inside the infected pet. The eggs then pass through the faeces, where they hatch into larvae and pollute the environment.
- Larvae can live for weeks or months before infecting an unsuspecting dog.
- Once the larvae enter your dog’s body they migrate to the intestine, where they mature and lay eggs – starting the cycle all over again.
- Symptoms of hookworm in dogs
Intestinal upset is the primary symptom of hookworm in dogs. Other symptoms may include:
- Yellow gums
- General weakness.
- Significant (unexplained) weight loss
- bloody diarrhea
- Dull and dry coat
- Failure of the puppy to grow properly.
- Skin irritation (especially around the claws)
- Cough
If your dog is showing any of the above hookworm symptoms, contact your vet immediately. It is not uncommon for young puppies to die from severe hookworm infection.
Diagnosis of Hookworm:
Hookworms are easy to diagnose with the fecal flotation test.
Your vet will ask you to bring a fresh stool sample from your dog. The feces will be mixed with a solution that causes the eggs (if present) to float to the top of the solution where they can be easily seen.
“However, this test is only valid when the worms are mature enough to produce eggs. Unlike some other worms seen in dogs, you usually won’t see hookworms in your dog’s stool because the worms remain securely attached to the lining of your pet’s intestines until the condition is treated. It doesn’t happen.”
It takes 2-3 weeks for the worms to reach maturity and produce eggs, therefore, faecal floats may not be accurate in diagnosing hookworm in very young puppies.
Treatment of Hookworm in Dogs:
A class of drugs called anthelmintics can be used to eliminate hookworms. These drugs are usually given orally and rarely cause side effects. That said, these drugs are only effective in killing adult hookworms so it will be necessary to repeat the treatment 2-3 weeks after the first treatment.
“If your dog is severely anemic due to hookworm, a blood transfusion may be necessary to save your dog’s life.”
Hookworm Transmission to Humans:
Lying on a surface infested with hookworms can cause hookworm larvae to burrow into the skin, causing a condition called ‘ground itch’.
In some rare cases, hookworm larvae can enter and damage internal organs, including the eyes, which can cause blindness and complications. Good bathing and hygiene habits can help prevent hookworm infections in people.
Prevention of Hookworm in Dogs:
There are several important ways to prevent the spread of hookworm in dogs:
Keep your dog up to date on their parasite prevention. Many products designed to prevent heartworm will also help prevent hookworm.
- Puppies should be dewormed at around 2-3 weeks of age and if symptoms appear.
- Lactating female dogs should be wormed when their puppies are also worm-free.
- Always clean up after your dog when walking in the park or outside, and keep your yard free of dog waste.
Be sure to wash your hands frequently after cleaning up around your dog, or after cleaning up dog waste. Also, make sure your kids wash their hands frequently.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical or behavioral advice for pets. Please make an appointment with your vet for an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition.
What is the fastest way to get rid of hookworms in dogs?
Working closely with your veterinarian is the best way to treat a hookworm infection in your dog. Usually, your doctor will prescribe an anthelmintic, or dewormer. This type of medication is usually given orally and is designed to kill adult worms.
How long does it take to treat hookworm in dogs?
If caught early, the following medications usually take about 3-5 days to relieve symptoms, and a few weeks to completely eradicate the worms. In more severe cases, recovery involves correcting and monitoring peripheral symptoms that result from the condition, such as anemia and weakness.
Can Dogs Avoid Hookworms?
Hookworms suck blood and hence cause internal bleeding. They are a serious threat to dogs, especially young dogs that may die without anemia. Anemia may be more chronic in older animals, and pets may experience diarrhea and weight loss.
What antibiotic is used to treat hookworm in dogs?
Treatment for hookworm infection in dogs is straightforward. Antibiotics, such as Fenbendazole, Pyrantel, Moxidectin, and Milbemycin are often the treatment of choice, and a second dose is usually given a few weeks later.
Can I treat my dog at home?
A safe and effective way to treat pests is with pumpkin seeds. This is because pumpkin seeds contain an amino acid called cucurbitan. Cucurbitin paralyzes the worms and removes them from your dog’s digestive system.